Trending
Dear Editor:
Something incredible is happening in our small town that’s very encouraging and needs to be shared.
Two years ago, the city hired a new health commissioner, Carol Cowan, to take the reins in promoting healthy living in our valley. The accomplishments in those two years are absolutely amazing and have benefitted the entire community in one way or another.
Some of the programs that have been paid for through grants and/or sponsors include: Walmart grant for Evening of Nutrition and Healthy Eating 2014; Oral Cancer screening grant from Delta Dental 2016; summer youth environmental grant from Appalachian Ohio 2016; Rabenstein grant for Veggie U program for EL 3rd grade classrooms 2016 and Homework Diner 2015; Kohl’s grant for Fit and Active Kids Program for EL North and LaCroft Elementary from Akron Children’s Hospital 2016; Heritage Thermal Services for environmental summer camp 2016 and Stainless steel water bottles 2014; the Elks for digital infant scale for the Health Nursing Dept 2015.
Sponsored events include Heart Health Day at the Country Club with Dr. Shayesteh 2015; An Evening of Nutrition and Healthy Eating at the Masonic Temple with Dr. Shayesteh 2014; Kids Safety Day at Westgate with the EL Police, EL Firemen, Moose Lodge, Wee the People, Lions Club, EL pharmacy 2015; Movies in the Park 2014; Farmer’s Market 2015; Skin Cancer Screening with River Valley Health Partners 2016; vouchers for free multiphasic blood work at El City Hospital; free vision screening, Dr. Jenny Zoleman 2014.
While that list of accomplishments is impressive, the collaboration that Carol has forged within the community is the real success story. The current project she is working on, the Community Garden, has been a true collaborative effort that’s been over a year in the making and is coming to fruition now. Total cost of the garden has come through grants, sponsors, and many volunteer hours.
The garden will include 30 raised beds, nine rain barrels and a three-compartment compost bin, all built by Ed Adamson’s construction class at EL High School, Rotary club members and Rev. Peachy’s church members. Mark and Joseph Hissam did the back- breaking work of tearing up the concrete slab and playground material to prepare the land near the old East Elementary building for the garden and delivered top soil to the site. Josh Ludwig and his landscape and horticulture class from ELHS grew starter plants for the gardens and also put the beds in place, loaded with top soil and spread mulch. Terry Rudibaugh delivered two truckloads of mulch and brought manure to fertilize the soil. Dr. Rose’s KSU’s environmental club also grew plants to donate to the gardeners and Dr. Rose also created contracts and garden rules. Scott Shepherd did architectural drawings for the beds and garden area so it’s sure to be beautiful as well as functional.
If you’re interested in obtaining one of the garden beds for yourself, there is still time. The cost is only $10 and you can contact the Health Department at 330-385-7900. Even if you don’t want to garden, stop down and see the garden site and, like me, marvel at the community spirit shown through the leadership of our Health Commissioner, Carol Cowan.
Becky Varian
East Liverpool